Nebraska was founded under values of opportunity and equality for all, but when looking at the data and research on Nebraska’s children and families, a harsher reality is uncovered– one of disparity and lack of equitable chance of future success and opportunity for children of color. In response to this, the Index of Race & Opportunity for Nebraska Children was created. A composite score of 13 indicators of child well-being was calculated to highlight disparities in opportunity and measure progress toward race equity and inclusion.
![R:E Index](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RE-Index.png)
![7 Steps](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/7-Steps-984x1024.png)
Indicators used include:
Health
- Children with health insurance coverage
-
Babies born at normal birth rate (5.5 pounds or more)
Education
- 3- and 5-year-olds enrolled in school
- Reading proficiently at 3rd grade
- 19-26-year-olds employed or attending school
Economic Stability
- Children living above the Federal Poverty Level
- Median family income
- Children living in a low-poverty areas (poverty <20%)
Juvenile Justice
- Rate a juvenile case receives a fine/fee
- Youth not in juvenile detention facilities
Child Welfare
- Children not involved in the child welfare system
- State Wards receiving in-home services
- Children with three or fewer out-of-home placements
![Health Insurance R?E](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Health-Insurance-RE-873x1024.png)
![Babies Born at Normal Birth Rate](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Babies-Born-at-Normal-Birth-Rate-873x1024.png)
![3 to 5-year-olds enrolled in school](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3-to-5-year-olds-enrolled-in-school-873x1024.png)
![3rd graders proficient in language arts](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3rd-graders-proficient-in-language-arts-873x1024.png)
![Young Adults in school or working](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Young-Adults-in-school-or-working-873x1024.png)
![median family income](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/median-family-income-862x1024.png)
![Children living above the poverty line](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Children-living-above-the-poverty-line-873x1024.png)
![children living above the federal poverty line](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/children-living-above-the-federal-poverty-line-1-862x1024.png)
![children not involved in child welfare system](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/children-not-involved-in-child-welfare-system-1024x781.png)
![state ward receiving in-home services](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/state-ward-receiving-in-home-services-1024x781.png)
![children with fewer than 3 out-of-home placements](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/children-with-fewer-than-3-out-of-home-placements-1024x781.png)
![State wards receiving in-home services](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/State-wards-receiving-in-home-services-1024x781.png)
![youth not in juvenile detention facilities](https://kidscountnebraska.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/youth-not-in-juvenile-detention-facilities-1024x800.png)